Ivan as a Baby Name. Meaning and Origin of Ivan

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The baby name Ivan is a Male name , 2 syllables long and is pronounced English: /ˈaɪvən/ (EYE-vən); Slavic/Russian: /iˈvan/ or /ɪˈvan/ (ee-VAHN).

Ivan is Slavic in Origin.

Gender: Male

Syllables: 2.0

Origin: Slavic

Pronunciation: English: /ˈaɪvən/ (EYE-vən); Slavic/Russian: /iˈvan/ or /ɪˈvan/ (ee-VAHN)

What is the meaning of the name Ivan ?

The baby name Ivan is a Male name , 2 syllables long and is pronounced English: /ˈaɪvən/ (EYE-vən); Slavic/Russian: /iˈvan/ or /ɪˈvan/ (ee-VAHN).

Ivan is Slavic in Origin.

Ivan is the pan-Slavic form of John, filtered through Greek Ioannes and Latin Iohannes from Hebrew Yohanan, “Yahweh is gracious.” Carried by Byzantine Christianity into Eastern Europe, it has been documented since the Middle Ages and borne by rulers and saints: Bulgaria’s ascetic St. Ivan of Rila and Russia’s grand princes Ivan I and Ivan III, as well as Tsar Ivan IV (“the Terrible”). The name gained a familiar literary profile through authors like Dostoevsky (Ivan Karamazov) and Tolstoy, and in the West “Ivan” became a generic label for Russian soldiers in the 20th century.

Common diminutives include Vanya/Vanja, Ivanko, Ivica, and Ivek; the feminine is Ivana. Close regional forms are Jovan (Serbian/Macedonian) and Ioan or Ion (Romanian), while cognates across Europe include John, Ian, Sean, Juan, Jean, Giovanni, Jan, and Iain. Used in Russia, Ukraine, Bulgaria, Serbia, Croatia, Slovenia, North Macedonia, and beyond, Ivan remains a durable classic.

Ivan has the following similar or variant Names

Иван (Cyrillic)
Іван (Ukrainian)
Iván (Spanish)
Iwan
Ivo
Ivica
Vanya
Vanja
Ivanko
Vanko

Ivan the Terrible Politician · Born 1530 · Grand Principality of Moscow Ivan the Terrible was the first Tsar of Russia, known for centralizing power and expanding the Russian territory. His reign was marked by the creation of the Oprichnina, a policy that led to widespread terror and violence. Despite his harsh rule, he played a crucial role in transforming Russia into a major European power.	Ivan Franko Politician · Born 1856 · Austrian Empire Ivan Franko was a prominent Ukrainian writer, poet, and political activist in the Austrian Empire. He is best known for his literary works, including the novel 'Zakhar Berkut' and the poem 'Moses'. Franko played a significant role in the cultural and political life of Ukraine during his time.	Ivan Vazov Politician · Born 1850 · Bulgaria Ivan Vazov is best known as a Bulgarian writer and poet, often referred to as the 'Patriarch of Bulgarian Literature'. He wrote the novel 'Under the Yoke', which vividly depicts the struggles during the Ottoman rule. Vazov also served as a politician and contributed significantly to Bulgarian cultural and political life in the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
Ivan Mazepa Politician · Born 1639 · Polish–Lithuanian Commonwealth Ivan Mazepa was a prominent politician in the Polish–Lithuanian Commonwealth, best known for his role as a Hetman of the Zaporizhian Host. He is famous for his alliance with Charles XII of Sweden during the Great Northern War. His life inspired the poem 'Mazeppa' by Lord Byron and the symphonic poem by Franz Liszt.	Ivan V of Russia Royal · Born 1666 · Tsardom of Russia Ivan V of Russia was a Tsar of Russia who co-reigned with his half-brother Peter the Great from 1682 until his death in 1696. Despite being a nominal ruler, his reign marked a period of significant change in Russia as Peter began his efforts to modernize the country. Ivan's health issues limited his active participation in governance, leaving much of the ruling to his sister Sophia and later to Peter.	Ivan Gašparovič Politician · Born 1941 · Slovakia Ivan Gašparovič is a Slovak politician who served as the President of Slovakia from 2004 to 2014. He was the first Slovak president to be re-elected for a second term. Before his presidency, he was involved in the drafting of the Slovak Constitution in 1992.

Iván Duque

Politician · Born 1976 · Colombia

Iván Duque is a Colombian politician who served as the President of Colombia from 2018 to 2022. He is known for his efforts to implement economic reforms and address security issues in the country. Before his presidency, he worked at the Inter-American Development Bank and was a senator in Colombia.

Ivan I of Moscow

Politician · Born 1304 · Grand Principality of Moscow

Ivan I of Moscow, also known as Ivan Kalita, was a key figure in the rise of the Grand Principality of Moscow during the 14th century. He is most famous for his role in consolidating power and expanding the influence of Moscow, laying the groundwork for the future Russian state.

Ivan Cankar

Politician · Born 1876 · Kingdom of Serbs, Croats and Slovenes

Ivan Cankar was a prominent Slovenian writer and playwright, best known for his novel 'The Ward of Our Lady of Mercy' and the play 'The King of Betajnova'. He is considered one of the most important figures in Slovenian literature, often addressing social and political issues in his works.

Ivan II of Moscow

Politician · Born 1326 · Grand Principality of Moscow

Ivan II of Moscow, also known as Ivan the Fair, was a Grand Prince of Moscow who ruled from 1353 to 1359. He is most famous for consolidating power in the Grand Principality of Moscow during a time of political instability. His reign laid the groundwork for the future expansion and centralization of Russian territories.

Ivanoe Bonomi

Politician · Born 1873 · Italy

Ivanoe Bonomi was an influential Italian politician, best known for serving as the Prime Minister of Italy during two separate terms in the early 20th century. He played a crucial role in the political landscape of Italy, particularly during the turbulent period following World War I.

Ivan Silayev

Politician · Born 1930 · Russia

Ivan Stepanovich Silayev was a Soviet and Russian politician best known for serving as the last Prime Minister of the Soviet Union in 1991. He led the Soviet government during its final months through roles including chairman of the Committee on the Operational Management of the Soviet economy and chairman of the Inter-republican Economic Committee.

Ivan Paskevich

Politician · Born 1782 · Russian Empire

Ivan Paskevich was a prominent military leader and statesman in the Russian Empire, best known for his role in the Napoleonic Wars and the suppression of the Polish November Uprising. Born in 1782, he rose to become a Field Marshal and played a significant part in expanding and consolidating Russian influence during the 19th century.

Ivan Urgant

Actor · Born 1978 · Russia

Ivan Urgant is a well-known Russian actor and television presenter, most famous for hosting the popular late-night talk show 'Evening Urgant'. He has also appeared in films such as 'Yolki' and 'Vysotsky. Thank You for Being Alive'. Born in 1978, Ivan has become a familiar face in Russian entertainment.

Ivan Shishman of Bulgaria

Royal · Born 1350 · Second Bulgarian Empire

Ivan Shishman of Bulgaria was the last ruler of the Second Bulgarian Empire, reigning from 1371 until his death in 1395. He is most famous for his efforts to defend his kingdom against the Ottoman Empire, although ultimately, he was unable to stop their advance. His reign marked the end of medieval Bulgarian independence.

Ivan Okhlobystin

Actor · Born 1966 · Russia

Ivan Okhlobystin is a Russian actor best known for his role as Dr. Bykov in the popular TV series 'Interns'. He has also appeared in films like 'Down House' and 'Tsar'. In addition to acting, Ivan has worked as a screenwriter and director.

Ivan Hlinka

Athlete · Born 1950 · Czech Republic

Ivan Hlinka was best known as a legendary Czech ice hockey player and coach, and he is widely regarded as one of the most important figures in Czech hockey history. He played professionally and later became a highly respected coach, leaving a lasting mark on the sport in the Czech Republic.

Ivan Král

Musician · Born 1948 · United States

Ivan Král was a musician best known for his work with the Patti Smith Group, contributing to albums like 'Horses' and 'Easter'. Born in 1948, he was an influential figure in the punk rock scene in the United States.

Ivan Vyrypaev

Actor · Born 1974 · Poland

Ivan Vyrypaev is a Polish actor and playwright best known for his work in contemporary theater. He gained recognition for his plays like 'Oxygen' and 'Illusions', which have been performed internationally. His unique style often explores existential themes and human emotions.

Ivan Sergei

Actor · Born 1971 · United States

Ivan Sergei is an American actor best known for his role as Dr. Peter Winslow in the TV series 'Crossing Jordan'. He also appeared in the romantic comedy 'The Break-Up' and the TV series 'Jack & Jill'.

Ivan Mykolaichuk

Actor · Born 1941 · Soviet Union

Ivan Mykolaichuk was a prominent actor from the Soviet Union, best known for his role in the film 'Shadows of Forgotten Ancestors'. Born in 1941, he became a significant figure in Soviet cinema, also starring in 'The White Bird Marked with Black' and 'Babylon XX'.

Ivan Bortnik

Actor · Born 1939 · Russia

Ivan Bortnik was a Russian actor best known for his role in the film 'The Meeting Place Cannot Be Changed'. Born in 1939, he became a prominent figure in Soviet and Russian cinema, also appearing in 'The Cold Summer of 1953'.

Noize MC

Actor · Born 1985 · Russia

Noize MC, born Ivan Alekseyev, is a Russian musician and actor best known for his impactful rap-rock music. He's famous for songs like 'Vse Naiti' and 'Iz Okna', which showcase his unique blend of genres and socially conscious lyrics. In addition to his music career, Ivan has appeared in Russian films, further solidifying his presence in the entertainment industry.

Iván Massagué

Actor · Born 1976 · Spain

Iván Massagué is a Spanish actor best known for his role in the film 'The Platform', a gripping thriller that explores themes of class and survival. Born in 1976, he has also appeared in popular Spanish TV series like 'El Barco' and '7 Vidas'.

Name	Last Name(s)	Mother	Mother famous for	Fame Level	Father	Father famous for	Fame Level
Ivan	Hašek				Ivan Hašek	association footballer	★★★★★
Ivan	Putin	Alina Kabaeva	model	★★★★★

Ivan – Popularity by country

Based on birth registration data from national statistics agencies.

Country	Gender	Year	Rank	Born	of
Ireland	Boys	2025	#1	—	836
Germany	Boys	2025	#1	—	423
BG	Boys	0	#1	4,788	3,850
HR	Boys	0	#1	17,032	3,997
BG		0	#2	254	1,799
HR		0	#2	1,566	2,081
RU	Boys	0	#5	19,554	12,621
RS	Boys	0	#7	1,465	2,277
KR		0	#8	1	201
RS		0	#10	177	923
SV		0	#10	2	283
MD	Boys	0	#12	185	756
FJ	Boys	0	#16	2	603
MO		0	#17	36	2,706
HN		0	#21	2	704
MD		0	#21	14	434
ID		0	#22	18	2,238
KZ	Boys	0	#24	1,397	6,578
MO	Boys	0	#24	415	5,842
Spain	Boys	0	#25	30,709	5,610
SV	Boys	0	#25	4	352
MT		0	#27	17	1,767
NA		0	#27	7	2,537
RU		0	#27	457	3,641
HK	Boys	0	#28	4,133	12,905
TM	Boys	0	#29	8	614
BN		0	#30	3	2,297
EE	Boys	0	#34	133	2,087
EE		0	#34	4	1,051
HT	Boys	0	#34	1	903
SI	Boys	0	#34	311	3,402
TM	Girls	0	#34	2	574
DJ	Boys	0	#35	2	657
CZ	Boys	0	#38	2,849	6,530
HN	Boys	0	#38	15	749
PR		0	#38	18	1,497
MT	Boys	0	#39	240	4,064
MX	Boys	0	#39	32,032	16,355
ID	Boys	0	#40	110	4,130
PA		0	#42	95	3,797
BI	Boys	0	#43	2	917
BO	Boys	0	#45	5,564	9,244
PR	Boys	0	#45	238	2,508
EC	Boys	0	#46	563	3,322
CM		0	#51	6	2,592
PA	Boys	0	#51	2,465	9,305
CN		0	#52	34	3,857
LU		0	#53	14	2,830
SI		0	#53	27	1,612
MX		0	#55	959	8,339
CL	Boys	0	#56	11,427	13,390
CO	Boys	0	#56	26,682	15,656
HK		0	#56	516	8,483
EC		0	#57	61	2,502
TW		0	#57	44	4,523
CY		0	#58	3	1,632
PE	Boys	0	#60	10,214	14,506
KZ		0	#61	31	1,452
SG	Boys	0	#61	2,101	17,960
SG		0	#61	275	11,010
Spain		0	#63	1,180	2,326
IT	Boys	0	#63	54,568	10,046
JP		0	#64	14	4,057
CN	Boys	0	#68	439	9,639
CY	Boys	0	#68	68	3,473
PH		0	#68	29	5,607
AO		0	#70	8	2,729
BO		0	#70	589	6,868
IN		0	#71	1	2,963
CO		0	#72	1,648	7,768
TW	Boys	0	#73	270	7,111
AR	Boys	0	#74	3,413	7,628
MV	Boys	0	#76	4	3,375
LT	Boys	0	#78	106	2,166
PE		0	#83	328	6,350
LT		0	#84	5	949
CZ		0	#85	168	3,154
JM		0	#88	6	3,714
MD	Girls	0	#89	4	865
QA		0	#89	12	7,011
IR	Boys	0	#90	2,969	10,162
PH	Boys	0	#90	444	11,440
BR	Boys	0	#93	5,577	12,213
AF	Girls	0	#94	1	2,402
PT	Boys	0	#94	1,124	7,951
OM		0	#98	19	6,215
AR		0	#99	89	2,915
CR	Boys	0	#100	1,188	10,188
SD		0	#102	1	2,130
BN	Boys	0	#103	31	6,332
GE	Boys	0	#103	8	2,055
IR		0	#103	172	4,221
GT	Boys	0	#105	1,121	7,625
Switzerland	Boys	2024	#108	30	1,769
HU		0	#108	8	1,675
NA	Boys	0	#108	138	6,830
UY	Boys	0	#109	1,273	5,922
Austria	Boys	0	#111	787	2,180
CL		0	#111	635	6,867
MY		0	#113	250	12,352
BN	Girls	0	#114	1	5,459
MY	Boys	0	#114	3,255	25,439
CR		0	#116	43	5,526
IQ		0	#116	14	3,533
Norway	Boys	2025	#117	18	444
IT		0	#118	2,680	4,183
KW		0	#119	3	5,216
Sweden	Boys	2022	#120	63	1,509
MU		0	#122	15	3,613
DK	Boys	0	#123	337	7,401
LU	Boys	0	#123	101	4,970
RS	Girls	0	#124	12	1,651
AO	Boys	0	#125	138	5,568
CY	Girls	0	#125	1	3,755
HU	Boys	0	#125	52	3,954
GR		0	#128	8	3,911
AZ	Boys	0	#130	2	1,400
BW	Boys	0	#132	18	4,685
PL	Boys	0	#133	410	6,459
JO		0	#140	1	2,158
MU	Boys	0	#140	281	8,477
Austria		0	#142	74	850
EE	Girls	0	#142	1	1,888
GR	Boys	0	#145	134	6,912
United States	Boys	2024	#148	2,340	7,044
AE		0	#149	29	10,220
UY		0	#151	27	2,477
MT	Girls	0	#153	1	3,773
DK		0	#165	39	5,198
BG	Girls	0	#166	59	3,559
BR		0	#166	207	5,969
Belgium	Boys	2024	#168	21	401
PT		0	#171	80	4,161
GT		0	#175	144	5,948
SI	Girls	0	#177	1	2,769
HR	Girls	0	#185	126	3,687
Canada	Boys	2024	#186	123	2,588
CM	Boys	0	#189	629	12,054
LT	Girls	0	#199	2	1,904
PL		0	#201	12	2,600
PS		0	#206	13	5,692
Germany	Boys	0	#211	2,047	5,697
JP	Boys	0	#211	87	7,909
ZA		0	#211	244	14,421
AO	Girls	0	#214	4	4,575
ZA	Boys	0	#218	2,960	25,619
PS	Boys	0	#219	505	10,655
AL	Girls	0	#225	3	4,141
HU	Girls	0	#225	1	3,308
GH		0	#231	13	5,396
JM	Boys	0	#231	42	6,876
BD		0	#236	6	5,992
IL	Boys	0	#236	569	10,983
NA	Girls	0	#236	2	7,146
GR	Girls	0	#245	5	6,293
IL		0	#247	28	6,291
JP	Girls	0	#251	1	6,592
MO	Girls	0	#257	7	7,056
EC	Girls	0	#258	1	3,650
SA		0	#265	31	10,560
GH	Boys	0	#272	75	8,138
NG		0	#272	1	5,926
RU	Girls	0	#275	275	11,913
AL	Boys	0	#278	21	5,122
JM	Girls	0	#278	1	7,507
TW	Girls	0	#281	9	8,139
Finland	Boys	0	#287	147	2,041
France	Boys	2021	#292	98	2,865
Finland		0	#296	12	830
KZ	Girls	0	#299	22	5,862
QA	Girls	0	#304	13	15,378
Germany		0	#306	137	2,542
NL	Boys	0	#309	1,156	5,873
CZ	Girls	0	#318	24	5,378
DK	Girls	0	#324	6	7,429
NL		0	#327	65	2,481
CN	Girls	0	#336	14	8,829
JO	Girls	0	#338	2	7,570
Finland	Boys	2026	#344	559	3,552
SD	Girls	0	#358	1	7,678
MU	Girls	0	#360	3	8,539
JO	Boys	0	#362	16	7,057
PL	Girls	0	#363	2	5,096
PH	Girls	0	#381	10	13,098
YE		0	#390	9	8,639
EG		0	#409	4	6,387
Austria	Girls	0	#410	11	1,885
IQ	Boys	0	#414	273	13,071
OM	Girls	0	#419	6	15,987
IQ	Girls	0	#420	85	11,303
SD	Boys	0	#432	14	10,523
PA	Girls	0	#463	19	9,861
PT	Girls	0	#468	4	7,952
GT	Girls	0	#491	15	7,500
BH		0	#494	60	17,937
KW	Girls	0	#497	19	19,177
IR	Girls	0	#503	28	8,334
CM	Girls	0	#518	23	11,671
LY		0	#524	12	12,703
BD	Boys	0	#525	52	10,045
UY	Girls	0	#532	5	6,731
AE	Girls	0	#537	17	20,968
PS	Girls	0	#541	7	10,981
QA	Boys	0	#554	154	18,093
BO	Girls	0	#561	51	9,488
AR	Girls	0	#564	36	8,289
CR	Girls	0	#569	5	11,342
SG	Girls	0	#573	14	18,916
HK	Girls	0	#575	41	16,104
SY		0	#595	135	11,684
LB		0	#597	62	13,263
KW	Boys	0	#626	144	18,755
IL	Girls	0	#637	9	11,648
IN	Girls	0	#649	6	13,121
AE	Boys	0	#703	417	22,615
OM	Boys	0	#715	167	17,948
TN		0	#759	71	13,765
Spain	Girls	0	#773	212	5,561
NG	Girls	0	#773	14	15,093
CL	Girls	0	#794	58	14,098
EG	Boys	0	#800	87	15,035
Germany	Girls	0	#813	26	4,949
NG	Boys	0	#852	100	16,906
MA		0	#853	280	20,986
PE	Girls	0	#875	69	14,861
SA	Girls	0	#884	52	25,931
BR	Girls	0	#891	51	12,708
United States	Girls	2020	#912	6	8,768
CO	Girls	0	#915	164	16,140
NL	Girls	0	#931	25	5,933
MY	Girls	0	#947	48	24,821
TR		0	#958	259	19,440
IN	Boys	0	#964	38	16,750
MX	Girls	0	#996	188	17,781
DZ		0	#1,000	177	20,130
EG	Girls	0	#1,005	5	14,742
IT	Girls	0	#1,032	434	9,415
ZA	Girls	0	#1,099	43	25,928
SA	Boys	0	#1,154	490	28,008

Ivan is popular in 99 countries — most recent births per country:

France

Norway

Ireland

Scotland, United Kingdom

Canada

Switzerland

Sweden

United States

Flanders, Belgium

Brussels, Belgium

Germany

New York City (Asian & Pacific Islander), United States

New York City (Hispanic), United States

Belgium

New York City (White, non-Hispanic), United States

Wallonia, Belgium

Austria

Germany

Spain

Finland

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